Vermont Vows Magazine

{1} Consider local ingredients, like Vermont apples or maple syrup, to celebrate the bounty of your wedding location.

{2} Look for a cake that expresses your personality, suggests Spice of Life Catering. "There really are no rules."

Still find color confusing? These simple suggestions will give you the confidence to move boldly beyond black and white. A world of color awaits!

- Play with color combinations to see what strikes you. Daring to unite bold colors may surprise the eye and delight you with the unexpected contrast.

- "Peruse decorating magazines to keep up on color trends," suggests Janice Degoosh of The Pink Shutter in Montpelier.

With the wedding day behind you, you're probably ready for a really relaxing outdoor brunch with the special guests who've spent the night.

Set some beautiful tables by the water, if possible, and encourage folks to roll up their pants, wade in, and wander, enjoying the fresh morning air and the chance to spend just a little more quality time with old and new friends.

Putting a new, spicy twist on the tried and true is the essence of Matthew Pearsall and Maggie Barch's business and their relationship. Former high school sweethearts and now co-owners of Vermont's Spice of Life Catering, Matthew and Maggie offer innovative interpretations of traditional menus, along with easy and interactive menu planning, and an awareness that each one of us is unique, with different tastes, styles and needs.

All across the state of Vermont, farmers and growers are producing some of the best food in the country, proving that all those cute black and white cows are more than just props on a rural movie set. What better way to honor and appreciate Vermont's authentic character than by planning a menu based on the bounty of the land?

We have fallen in love with plaid - tartan plaids, to be specific. Steeped in history, these colorful patterns traditionally identified the wearer as belonging to a specific Scottish clan. But you don't have to be Scottish--or make your fiancé dress up in a kilt--to incorporate the rich beauty of tartan plaid in your wedding day. The warmth of the wool fabric makes tartan plaid an ideal material for a winter wedding in particular.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! The three R's can make a huge difference when it comes to planning for your wedding. Here are some tips on how to save time, money and Mother Earth!

*In this day and age, there is really no need to bulk up an invitation with lots of information you could easily convey online. Save the paper and include directions, hotel information, and the like on your wedding website instead, where it's more accessible. For the invitation itself, recycled paper, cotton, and soy ink are all options that have an environ­mental impact.

The folks over at Cafe Provence make it a point to provide countless culinary opportunities for their fans and followers-this summer is no different! From French wine tasting to kid's cooking classes, the Vermont bistro has tons of options for tasty activities. 

This isn't your grandmother's wedding reception! Modern weddings mean modern approaches to traditional rules, but receiving lines, according to Anna Post, are still a very important sentiment.

For some reason, groomsmen often panic about having to be in a receiving line. Relax, guys, you're off the hook. Whoever is hosting the wedding is the first in line.

Can't decide on colors? These simple suggestions will get you started.

- Answering a few basic questions can help you pick a direction. Do you have a favorite color? Or a favorite flower? Will you be married in the spring, summer, fall or winter?